Accumulator with Segmented Outer Tubes for Simplified Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accumulators face manufacturing efficiency issues due to the difficulty in maintaining a gap between the U-shaped tube and the outer tube at the turning back section, and they are not easily adaptable to complex refrigerant circuits that switch between heating and cooling operations.
Innovation Solution
The accumulator design features separate first and second outer tubes that communicate via a bridging tube, eliminating the need for the U-shaped tube to be covered by an outer tube, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing efficiency, and is integrated into an air-conditioning apparatus that can switch between heating and cooling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a straight tube is inserted in the outer tube and the outer tube is bent with the straight tube to form a turning back section of the U-shaped tube, then the U-shaped tube structure is formed, but it is difficult to ensure a gap between the U-shaped tube and the outer tube at the turning back section, causing low manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the outer tube into two separate sections: a first outer tube covering the upstream-side tubular section and a second outer tube covering the downstream-side tubular section. The U-shaped tube is not covered at the turning back section, eliminating the need to ensure a gap in that critical area. This segmentation allows independent positioning of each outer tube section, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the U-shaped tube is covered by an outer tube with a gap, then heat exchange between high pressure refrigerant and low pressure refrigerant is enabled, but the conventional accumulator design is not easily adaptable to complex refrigerant circuits that switch between heating and cooling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal accumulator design that can function in both heating and cooling operations. The separated outer tube configuration allows the high pressure refrigerant to flow through the gaps between the tubular sections and outer tubes, enabling heat exchange in both heating mode (subcooling high pressure refrigerant) and cooling mode (superheating low pressure refrigerant). This multi-functional design adapts to complex refrigerant circuits without requiring structural modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design improves manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need for a reliable gap at the turning back section and allows for effective application in complex air-conditioning systems, enhancing heat exchange efficiency and reducing the risk of compressor failure.
Implementation Method 1
high pressure refrigerant passes through the gap between the U-shaped tube and the outer tube, and the high pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the low pressure refrigerant in the container and the low pressure refrigerant in the U-shaped tube
Implementation Method 2
the low pressure refrigerant in the container and the low pressure refrigerant in the U-shaped tube to be gasified and superheated
Implementation Method 3
the low pressure refrigerant in the container and the low pressure refrigerant in the U-shaped tube to be gasified and superheated
Implementation Method 4
the high pressure refrigerant passing through the gap between the U-shaped tube and the outer tube to be subcooled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An accumulator 1 includes a container 2, a low pressure refrigerant inlet tube 3, and a low pressure refrigerant outlet body 4 including an upstream-side tubular section, a low pressure refrigerant turning back section and a downstream-side tubular section in the container 2. At least a part of the upstream-side tubular section is covered by a first outer tube 14 with a gap between the upstream-side tubular section and the first outer tube 14, at least a part of the downstream-side tubular section is covered by a second outer tube 15 with a gap between the downstream-side tubular section and the second outer tube 15, the first outer tube 14 and the second outer tube 15 communicate with each other via a bridging tube 16, and high pressure refrigerant passes through the gap between the upstream-side tubular section and the first outer tube 14, the bridging tube 16, and the gap between the downstream-side tubular section and the second outer tube 15.